Much of the King Ranch is not open to the public. But there are 60,000 head of cattle, 400 horses and dozens of cowboys here – many fifth- and sixth-generation descendants of Mexicans who moved to the ranch in the 1860s.
On the tour’s 10-mile loop you will see the horse and cattle breeds that made the ranch famous, plus some native wildlife. You’ll pass the lavish main building (33,000 sq feet), and with any luck you’ll get to hear some excellent commentary and personal anecdotes from the tour guides, who are often retired ranch employees.
Tours depart from the visitor center , which is just inside the rather modest entrance to the ranch on the west side of Kingsville at the end of Santa Gertrudis Ave.
In addition to the standard tours, there are guided bird-watching and wildlife-spotting tours across the unspoiled expanses of the ranch, lasting from 2½ to nine hours ($45 to $300). Schedules change by season.
